Stathi In Control As Woorim Steps Up

LEADING trainer Robert Heathcote turned grandstand jockey during the Glasshouse Handicap. There was no need - Woorim was in capable hands.

In the end there was no need, with his rising sprint star Woorim in the capable hands of Stathi Katsidis.
Woorim was travelling like a winner at the 400m, but he was locked away behind a wall of horses.
Katsidis made a split-second decision to change course and it paid dividends as Woorim burst through the pack and ran away to win by a length.
Heathcote said he was willing Katsidis to find a gap at the 300m.
"He had to change directions a couple of times, but when he got clear he let down and it was a great win," Heathcote said.
"I'm delighted for his owners Ross and Judy Cutts. They raced Show A Heart and bred this guy and he's really stepped up and handled the class rise well."
The win was Woorim's third in a row and Heathcote said during the week he was ready to throw the Show A Heart gelding into the deep end and tackle Listed company.
The horse was renowned for being sluggish early in his career, but Heathcote said that had been because of bad feet.
"I've always had a massive wrap on the horse," he said.
"He has very flat feet and they bruise easily so he is constantly being treated.
"I have to pay tribute to Robert O'Leary, who gives the horse's feet three Epsom salt baths a day.
"He doesn't get back any more in his races because his feet no longer hurt.
"It was just a confidence thing."
Katsidis, who earlier won on Fifteen Carat in the Guineas, said he no longer had to hunt Woorim along early.
"He's a different horse now Rob's got his feet right," Katsidis said.
"I thought he was just going to win on the turn, but the run I had picked out closed and I had to decide which way to go. Some horses don't finish off after you switch them around, but this bloke picked-up and went again." Woorim will now head to the paddock for a short break as hes only had the 3 starts this prep for 2 wins. He has earned himself a trip to Melbourne where there are some very suitable races for him in the Spring carnival!
Eye Liner Stakes winner Adnocon started $5 equal favourite with Woorim and ran another honest race to finish second.
Trainer Gerald Ryan will give Adnocon a break before possibly targeting the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle.
"They didn't go quickly enough for him, but he ran a terrific race," Ryan said.
"I'll give him a breather now and maybe bring him back for the Cameron. We'll wait and see how he comes up."
King Mufhasa ($7) came into the race after finishing just out of the money in the Doomben 10,000 and Stradbroke. The Kiwi carried 60kg and was again far from disgraced in finishing third.
King Mufhasa did not get his own way in front as expected as lightweight Sir Slick carted the field along. However, the Kiwi still ran a bold race to finish three-quarters of a length adrift of Adnocon.
"He gave the first two a lot of weight, but still ran well. He'll go home tomorrow," trainer Steve McKee said.
Mr Slick also ran a bold race to hang on for fourth at big odds in a much-improved performance.
The equal favourite Veewap was midfield throughout and did not get a lot of luck.
The Victorian finished seventh, beaten just over four lengths.